
The Statement of environmental effects report is the most important report that accompanies a development application. It is the report that links all the other aspects about the development. Despite how important the report is to obtain approval, most people try to attempt the document themselves and in doing so only scratch the surface of what is required for the report. Below is a guide to what a statement of environmental effects is, and what must be included.
A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is required for all development applications and is required under the Schedule 1 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000.
The statement of environmental effects is the backbone of the development application and provides a justification for the development.
The statement of environmental effects needs to address the following:
It should be noted that the term “environment” does not only refer to the natural environment but to the natural, built, and social environment.
The statement of environmental effects MUST address all of these above and go into detail into each relevant clause and control within the documents. Where the development results in a non compliance to a LEP clause of a DCP control then it must be justified within the statement of environmental effects.
Please Note: Where the development results in a non compliance with a clause from the LEP then, in addition to the justification in the statement of environmental effects, a clause 4.6 Exception to development standards report must be submitted with the development application.
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The State Environmental Planning Policies are Environmental Planning Instruments (EPIs) that are prepared by the NSW State Government and apply state wide.
The most common State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) are the following:
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
This Policy specifies a variety of developments that can be undertaken under exempt development (not requiring any development approval). The Policy also provides for types of development that can be done under a complying development certificate (CDC). A CDC can be approved through a private certifier and is replaces a development application. Any development seeking approval under a CDC must comply with the development standards otherwise a Development Application is required.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009
This Policy provides certain types of development to provide affordable housing. The most common types of affordable housing are secondary dwellings (granny flats) as well as boarding houses. The policy allows these developments to occur in residential areas even where the Council doesn’t permit the development under the zone.
Local Environmental Plans are prepared by local Council and are only relevant to that Council Local Government Area. All Local Environmental Plans follow the same structure after a review by the Department of Planning several years ago which created a Standard Format for all Local Environmental Plans knows as the Standard Instrument. Despite having the same format, each Local Environmental Plan or LEP is different.
One of the main purposes of the LEP is to specify the zoning for all land within the local government area. The zoning of a site is what specifies the type of development that can occur on the land with Council approval and what development is not permitted.
The other purpose of the LEP is to provide development standards for the zones. These generally relate to minimum lot size for subdivision, minimum lot size for rural developments to erect a dwelling, minimum lot sizes for certain types of development, maximum height limit for buildings and floor space ratio.
Clause 4.6 Exception to Development Standard
Under the LEP there is a clause that allows Council to consider a variation to any development standard non compliance. The most common non compliances relate to minimum lot size, building height and floor space ratio. While anyone can prepare a variation request under clause 4.6 it is highly recommended you get a town planner to prepare this document.
The Development Control Plan is a document that provides a guideline for development. Please note that Council’s can often have multiple development control plans and they are currently not required to adhere to a standard format which can make it difficult to navigate. It is noted that the controls in a DCP are open to variations and a strong justification is usually required to vary the control.
The DCP will often provide specific details relating to different types of development and different circumstances.
We have a lot of clients who come to us having attempted their own statement of environmental effects, or used another consultant and Council rejects the report. You can save a lot of time and stress by having the report done right to begin with. Our reports are expert quality and cover everything that is required. We have never had any of our Statement of Environmental Effects rejected by Council. We have, however, submitted our statement of environmental effects report for developments that were about to be refused and turned the table on the application gaining approval for our clients.
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We help our clients with their developments by providing professional statement of environmental effects for all Council development applications across NSW. We have an extensive experience with providing justifications for non compliance and in getting our clients developments approved. We provide the following services for all development types:
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Want to build a house or renovate but don’t want the hassle of a development application. You might be able to get approval through a private certifier. We take some time to explain what a complying development is and the steps you need to take to obtain a CDC through a private certifier.
Getting approval for unapproved developments
Unapproved works is one of our most common jobs for Outlook Planning and Development. Read our article on what to do and how to deal with the scary letters from Council!
Subdivision of rural zoned land
We explain what to consider when planning a rural subdivision and the various costs and reports associated.
Architectural Plan Drafting now available!
Outlook Planning and Development are now offering architectural plans in addition to our normal town planning services. We are fast becoming the number one planning firm in Sydney and we are excited to add plan drafting to our services.
Thornton and Chisholm has become a booming area for investors and first home buyers wanting to leave Sydney and head towards the Hunter Valley. The greater Maitland area is a booming area with plenty of land available for developers.
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